Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Northern Bayberry - TreeTime.ca

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) vs Northern Bayberry

Amelanchier alnifolia

Myrica pensylvanica

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

NOT AVAILABLE THIS SEASON - MIGHT RETURN

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry)
Northern Bayberry

Common Saskatoon is a native shrub that's famous for its great-tasting fruit. The berries are terrific for fresh eating and cooking. The Saskatoon bush itself can be quite large and produces an abundance of fruit. Saskatoons are hardy and can tolerate partial shade and a variety of growing conditions.

Northern Bayberry makes an excellent hedge or feature shrub. It will retain its leaves in warmer climates but drops them in colder areas. They produce blue-grey berries that have a wax coating on them that can be used to make candles or soaps.

In colder hardiness zones the leaves turn an attractive orange to red colour in the fall, making it a striking addition to your landscape.

Northern Bayberry is native to Nova Scotia and tolerates both drought and wet conditions. It is also a nitrogen fixer that tolerates poor soil conditions.

Common Saskatoon (Serviceberry) Quick Facts

Northern Bayberry Quick Facts

Zone: 1a
Zone: 3a
Height: 4 m (13 ft)
Height: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Spread: 2.7 m (9 ft)
Spread: 2.4 m (8 ft)
Light: partial shade, full sun
Light: partial shade, full sun
Moisture: normal
Moisture: normal
Growth rate: medium
Growth rate: slow
Life span: short
Life span: long
Suckering: medium
Suckering: medium


Toxicity: Warning: The wax from bayberry fruit is considered toxic and may be carcinogenic.
Berries: purple-blue
Berries: blue-gray
Firmness: firm
Hybrid: no
Hybrid: no
Catkins: no
Catkins: yes


Native to: AB, BC, SK, MB, ON, YT, NT
Native to: ON, QC, NS, NB, NL, PE
Other Names: common serviceberry, wild saskatoon, wild serviceberry
Other Names: candlewood, myrique de pennsylvanie, small waxberry, swamp candleberry, tallow bayberry, tallow shrub, tallow tree, tallowshrub